Idoma International Carnival set to revive Idoma Nollywood, hosts first-ever Film Festival in Otukpo

As part of its efforts to rejuvenate the Idoma motion picture industry, popularly known as Idoma Nollywood, the Idoma International Carnival has announced plans to host a first-of-its-kind film festival in Otukpo, Benue State.

This groundbreaking film festival is one of the highlights of this year’s edition of the Idoma International Carnival.

According to the President and Founder of the carnival, Chief Dr Edwin Ochai, the film festival aims to provide a platform for Idoma filmmakers to showcase their talent, preserve their culture and reintroduce Idoma Nollywood to the global stage.

“The Idoma people have a rich cultural heritage, and storytelling is at the heart of our tradition,” Ochai during a meeting with stakeholders of the Idoma Nollywood.

“This festival is not just an event; it is a movement to revitalize our film industry. We aim to inspire filmmakers to produce quality films that celebrate our identity, traditions, and aspirations. I urge all stakeholders—directors, producers, actors, and investors—to unite behind this noble cause. Together, we can elevate Idoma Nollywood to the heights it deserves.”

He also pledged to provide support for the creation of movies that highlight the unique cultural heritage of the Idoma people.

“We are committed to supporting projects that will not only entertain but also educate and project the Idoma narrative to the world,” Ochai added.

Responding, Chairman BoT of the Idoma movie guild, Sunny Okwori, praised Ochai for the initiative, describing it as a “timely intervention.”

“The Idoma International Carnival is setting a new standard for how local industries can be empowered. This film festival is a game-changer for our filmmakers,” Okwori remarked.

“I want to use this time to invite all stakeholders of the Idoma Film Community to grace our event, the Idoma Nollywood Film Festival, happening on the 23rd of December, 2024.

“For a long time, we have been clamoring for support to help the industry grow from its current level to the next. And God has sent us a Moses in the person of Chief Dr Prince Edwin Ochai. He has formally accepted to sponsor the entire film festival on behalf of Idoma Nollywood and the Idoma International Carnival.

“This festival will serve as a platform to propagate Idoma culture and tourism to the world at large.

“I want to invite every stakeholder in the industry to be part of this. Let us be devoid of envy, anger, petty gossip, and jealousy. We must come together, join hands, and make this event a remarkable success.

“This man, this Moses that God has brought to us, has promised many great things for the film industry. I hope we can all fly on his wings to place the Idoma film industry on the global map, which we have always dreamed of.

“We need this. We must own this. We must do this to show the world that the Idoma people are here, and this is our tradition.

“We have a lot of activities lined up for that day, including a symposium, a workshop, a playlet, and awards to celebrate ourselves. We have worked hard to let the nation know that the Idoma film industry exists. Now, it is time to move to the next level.”